As we move through the first quarter of 2026, the recovery of the global steel industry is becoming more evident, bringing renewed momentum to upstream alloy materials. Ferrosilicon, a key deoxidizer in steelmaking, is showing clear signs of improvement in both export pricing and trade volumes.
Based on the latest market quotes and customs data, here's a closer look at the ferrosilicon market as of March 2026-and what it means for buyers.
1. Export Prices Hold Steady as of March 20
According to the latest market data, China's ferrosilicon export prices remain largely stable, with most transactions quoted on an FOB Tianjin basis.
Current mainstream prices:
FeSi 72%: USD 1,140 – 1,160 / MT
FeSi 75%: USD 1,160 – 1,180 / MT
The price gap between 72% and 75% grades continues to hover around USD 20/MT, which is in line with typical market structure.
What's happening behind the scenes:
Inventory levels at Tianjin Port are balanced-neither tight nor oversupplied
Pricing reflects a steady equilibrium between production costs (especially electricity and raw materials) and freight rates
Market sentiment remains cautious but stable, with no strong signs of short-term volatility
Overall, prices are holding firm, with a slightly positive undertone.
2. Customs Data Signals Stronger Export Momentum
China's January 2026 export data shows a notable rebound, particularly in higher-grade ferrosilicon.
High-Grade Ferrosilicon (Si > 55%)
Total exports: 32,924 MT
Month-on-month growth: +5.76%
Year-on-year growth: +22.67%
A year-on-year increase of over 20% clearly points to recovering demand from overseas steel producers, especially for higher-quality material.
In terms of trade structure:
- General trade: ~15,900 MT
- Bonded/logistics zone shipments: ~17,000 MT
The near 50/50 split is worth noting.
This suggests not only stronger demand, but also improvements in logistics efficiency and re-export operations, which are becoming an increasingly important part of the supply chain.
Lower-Grade Ferrosilicon (Si ≤ 55%)
Total exports: 2,539 MT
Month-on-month: +30.98%
Year-on-year: -10.67%
The sharp monthly increase likely reflects short-term restocking, while the annual decline indicates a continued shift toward higher-grade products.
3. Key Takeaways from the Market
Looking at both pricing and trade data, a few underlying trends stand out:
1. Demand is recovering-but with a clear preference for quality
Higher-grade ferrosilicon is seeing stronger growth, reflecting stricter requirements from steelmakers.
2. Trade flows are becoming more efficient
The rise in bonded zone shipments points to better logistics and distribution capabilities.
3. Prices are stable, but with upward potential
The current stability suggests the market is still rebalancing, rather than peaking.
4. Procurement Strategy in the Current Market
A "stable price + rising volume" environment is often a strategic window for buyers.
Here are a few practical considerations:
Avoid waiting too long
Prices have already stabilized, and further downside appears limited.
Consider phased purchasing
Lock in part of your volume while keeping some flexibility to manage future price movements.
Prioritize supply reliability over small price differences
In practice, consistency matters more than marginal cost savings, including:
- Stable chemical composition (Si, Al, P, S control)
- Reliable delivery schedules
- Experience in export logistics and customs handling
5. A Note on Ferro Silicon Supplier Selection
In a market like this, supply chain stability often outweighs short-term price advantages.
Established exporters such as ZhenAn offer value beyond just product supply:
- Market insight: real-time tracking of port activity and customs data to support better timing decisions
- Quality consistency: tighter control over batch-to-batch variation
- Flexible logistics solutions: tailored shipping options based on destination and trade structure
These factors can make a significant difference when the market is in transition.
Looking for the latest CIF prices to ports like Busan, Yokohama, or Rotterdam?
Our team can provide up-to-date quotations and help you plan your procurement based on current market conditions.
Conclusion
The ferrosilicon market in early 2026 is not characterized by sharp fluctuations, but rather by gradual recovery and structural improvement.
For buyers, this kind of environment requires a balanced approach:
- Being too cautious may mean missing favorable pricing windows
- Being too aggressive could increase inventory risk
A more effective strategy is to build positions steadily while working with reliable supply partners.
Need More Technical Details?
If you'd like to review product specifications, chemical composition ranges, or packaging details before making a decision:
Download the ferrosilicon specification sheet
